I used to own reel-to-reel tape recorders - which are now seemingly obsolete. Is it still possible to procure such a machine in serviceable condition? What do professionsals use to record sound nowadays?
Most professionals phased out reel-to-reels with the advent of digital recording. Nowadays though many are returning to the warmer sound of reel-to-reels. They may not be as crisp and clear but most people prefer them.
They do still produce them and the reels. Although mainly just for the profesional market. Best bet is buying second-hand.
Sam
Great stuff, you could try Audio Gold in Crouch End , Hornsey, N.London, they used to have a selection of various quality reel to reel tapes (second hand) good luck.
The advent of digital sound put paid to the use of reel-to-reel machines in most recording studios. Such is the difference in sound quality that you'll usually find an apology on album sleeves re-mastered for CD from old analogue (reel-to-reel) tapes, because digital sound does show up the limitations of its predecessor.